नैना मिला कर मनमोहन सों ,वृषभानु लली मन में मुस्कानी
भौं मरोर के दूसरी और, कछु वह घूँघट में शर्मानी
देख निहाल भई सजनी, वह सुरतिया मन माहि समानी
हमहे औरन की प्रवाह नहीं, अपनी ठकुरानी श्री राधिका रानी।।
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
अपनी ठकुरानी श्री राधिका रानी
नैना मिला कर मनमोहन सों ,वृषभानु लली मन में मुस्कानी
भौं मरोर के दूसरी और, कछु वह घूँघट में शर्मानी
देख निहाल भई सजनी, वह सुरतिया मन माहि समानी
हमहे औरन की प्रवाह नहीं, अपनी ठकुरानी श्री राधिका रानी।।
मैं शिव-रूपा
"निर्विकल्प आकार विहीना, मुक्ति, बंध- बंधन सों हीना.
मैं तो परमब्रह्म अविनाशी, परे, परात्पर परम प्रकाशी.
व्यापक विभु मैं ब्रह्म अरूपा, मैं तो ब्रह्म रूप तदरूपा.
चिदानंदमय ब्रह्म सरूपा, मैं शिव-रूपा, मैं शिव-रूपा ॥
ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ
ना मैं मरण भीत भय भीता, ना मैं जनम लेत ना जीता.
मैं पितु, मातु, गुरु, ना मीता. ना मैं जाति-भेद कहूँ कीता.
ना मैं मित्र बन्धु अपि रूपा, मैं तो ब्रह्म रूप तदरूपा.
चिदानंदमय ब्रह्म सरूपा, मैं शिव-रूपा, मैं शिव-रूपा ॥
ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ
मैं तो परमब्रह्म अविनाशी, परे, परात्पर परम प्रकाशी.
व्यापक विभु मैं ब्रह्म अरूपा, मैं तो ब्रह्म रूप तदरूपा.
चिदानंदमय ब्रह्म सरूपा, मैं शिव-रूपा, मैं शिव-रूपा ॥
ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ
ना मैं मरण भीत भय भीता, ना मैं जनम लेत ना जीता.
मैं पितु, मातु, गुरु, ना मीता. ना मैं जाति-भेद कहूँ कीता.
ना मैं मित्र बन्धु अपि रूपा, मैं तो ब्रह्म रूप तदरूपा.
चिदानंदमय ब्रह्म सरूपा, मैं शिव-रूपा, मैं शिव-रूपा ॥
ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ ॐ
Monday, March 21, 2011
धन्यवाद की आदत डालें ! * अशोक लव
मनुष्य सामाजिक प्राणी है. वे समाज के बिना जी नहीं सकता . उसे किसी न किसी रूप में दूसरों पर आश्रित रहना पड़ता है. जन्म से लेकर मृत्युपर्यंत वे पराश्रित रहता है. जन्म के साथ माँ उसका लालन-पालन करती है. पिता का स्नेह उसे संबल देता है. विद्यार्थी के रूप में अध्यापक-अध्यापिकाएँ उसे ज्ञानवान बनाते है. आजीविका के रूप में नौकरी करता है अथवा व्यापार , पराश्रित रहता है. नौकरी दूसरे के अधीन करनी पड़ती है . व्यापार में ग्राहकों पर निर्भर करना पड़ता है. बीमार होने पर डाक्टरों पर निर्भर रहना पड़ता है.
गहनता से चिंतन करें तो मनुष्य एक-दूसरे पर निर्भर करते हैं.
इस दृष्टि से मनुष्य को हर पल दूसरों को धन्यवाद देना चाहिए.
बदलते मूल्यों और संस्कारों के कारण व्यक्ति दूसरों के किए उपकारों को भूलकर नितांत स्वार्थी होता जा रहा है. माता-पिता तक को नहीं पूछता. उसे केवल अपने स्वार्थ दिखते हैं . उसके स्वार्थ पूरे नहीं हुए तो झट रूप बदल लेता है. यदि कोई व्यक्ति किसी के सौ में से निन्यानवे कार्य कर देता है पर एक नहीं करता तो वह बौखला जाता है. अनर्गल प्रलाप करने लगता है. संबंधों को तार-तार कर देता है. वे उन निन्यानवे कार्यों को भुला देता है.
हमारी वैदिक और पौराणिक परम्परा रही है कि हम देव ऋण उतारने के लिए देवताओं को पूजते हैं. सूर्य हमें प्रकाश देता है तो उन्हें जल अर्पित करने का प्रावधान किया गया. इसी तरह चन्द्र,मंगल,बुध, बृहस्पति,शुक्र और शनि ग्रहों क़ी पूजा क़ी जाती है. देवी-देवताओं क़ी पूजा क़ी जाती है. मातृ ऋण, गुरु ऋण आदि ऋण जन्म के साथ हमारे साथ जुड़ जाते हैं. हमारे पूर्वजों ने इसके विधि-विधान निर्धारित किए थे. ये धन्यवाद के ही रूप थे.
' धन्यवाद ' देना मनुष्य क़ी विनम्रता का प्रतीक है. इससे उसके संस्कारों का पता चलता है. यह शिष्टाचार का अनिवार्य अंग भी है. पश्चिमी देशों में लोग किए गए कार्य के लिए तत्काल धन्यवाद देते हैं. जीवन में अच्छे कार्यों क़ी आदत कभी भी आरम्भ क़ी जा सकती है. ' धन्यवाद' देने क़ी आदत आज और अभी से डाल लेनी चाहिए.
गहनता से चिंतन करें तो मनुष्य एक-दूसरे पर निर्भर करते हैं.
इस दृष्टि से मनुष्य को हर पल दूसरों को धन्यवाद देना चाहिए.
बदलते मूल्यों और संस्कारों के कारण व्यक्ति दूसरों के किए उपकारों को भूलकर नितांत स्वार्थी होता जा रहा है. माता-पिता तक को नहीं पूछता. उसे केवल अपने स्वार्थ दिखते हैं . उसके स्वार्थ पूरे नहीं हुए तो झट रूप बदल लेता है. यदि कोई व्यक्ति किसी के सौ में से निन्यानवे कार्य कर देता है पर एक नहीं करता तो वह बौखला जाता है. अनर्गल प्रलाप करने लगता है. संबंधों को तार-तार कर देता है. वे उन निन्यानवे कार्यों को भुला देता है.
हमारी वैदिक और पौराणिक परम्परा रही है कि हम देव ऋण उतारने के लिए देवताओं को पूजते हैं. सूर्य हमें प्रकाश देता है तो उन्हें जल अर्पित करने का प्रावधान किया गया. इसी तरह चन्द्र,मंगल,बुध, बृहस्पति,शुक्र और शनि ग्रहों क़ी पूजा क़ी जाती है. देवी-देवताओं क़ी पूजा क़ी जाती है. मातृ ऋण, गुरु ऋण आदि ऋण जन्म के साथ हमारे साथ जुड़ जाते हैं. हमारे पूर्वजों ने इसके विधि-विधान निर्धारित किए थे. ये धन्यवाद के ही रूप थे.
' धन्यवाद ' देना मनुष्य क़ी विनम्रता का प्रतीक है. इससे उसके संस्कारों का पता चलता है. यह शिष्टाचार का अनिवार्य अंग भी है. पश्चिमी देशों में लोग किए गए कार्य के लिए तत्काल धन्यवाद देते हैं. जीवन में अच्छे कार्यों क़ी आदत कभी भी आरम्भ क़ी जा सकती है. ' धन्यवाद' देने क़ी आदत आज और अभी से डाल लेनी चाहिए.
योगी पुरुष
योगी पुरुष को भोजन करने से पूर्व मौन धारण करके एक बार आचमन करके "प्राणाय स्वाहा" कह कर प्रथम ग्रास ग्रहण करे, फिर क्रमश: "अपानाय स्वाहा" कह... कर दूसरा ग्रास, " समानाय स्वाहा" कह कर तीसरा ग्रास "उदानाय स्वाहा" कहकर चौथा ग्रास, एवं वुआनाय कहकर पांचवां ग्रास भोजन करने के बाद शेष भोजन को इच्छानुसार भोजन करके तृप्त होवे! तत्पश्चात जल पीकर आचमन करके हृदय को स्पर्श कराना चाहिए!
अस्तेय, ब्रह्मचर्य, त्याग, अलोभ एवं अहिंसा इन पाँचों महान व्रतों को धारण करते हुए अक्रोध, गुरुसेवा, पवित्रता, अल्पाहार एवं नित्य स्वाध्याय इन पांच नियमों को पालन करना चाहिए!
योगी पुरुष को ज्ञान की विविधता के चक्कर में न पड़कर सारभूत एवं कार्य की सिद्धि प्रदान करने वाले ज्ञान की ही उपासना करनी चाहिए! यह भी जानना है वह भी जानना है अर्थात अनेकों प्रकार के ज्ञान की प्रापी के चक्कर में पड़ने से हजारों वर्षों तक भटकना पड़ता है और ज्ञान की प्राप्ति कुछ भी नहीं होती! संग का त्याग करने वाला, अक्रोधी, अल्पाहारी,जितेन्द्रिय योगी को बुद्धि योग से दशेंद्रियों के द्वारों को बंद करके मन को ध्यान में स्थिर करना चाहिए! योगी पुरुषों को निर्जन व् एकांत स्थान, गुफा तथा वन में जाकर विधि पूर्वक ध्यान करना चाहिय्र! वाकदंड, कर्मदंड एवं मनोदंड को वश में रखने वाले यति को ही त्रिदंडी कहते हैं! इस सत-असत गुण-अवगुण रुपी इस संसार को जो योगी आत्ममय मानता है उसका न कोई अपना है न कोई पराया ही! जो विशुद्ध मन से सोने को भी मिटटी तुली मानता है तथा सब प्राणियों को एक समान भाव से देखता है तथा है तथा समस्त प्रानोयों में समाहित होकर सर्वत्र ही एक मात्र, सर्वाधार शाश्वत एवं अव्यय ब्रह्म को सर्वत्र विद्यमान देखता है! उस योगी का पुनर्जन्म नहीं होता! संसार में वेदों से भी श्रेष्ठ यज्ञा, यज्ञों से श्रेष्ट जप, जप से श्रेष्ठ ज्ञानमार्ग एवं ज्ञान से विषयासक्ति एवं रागविहीन होकर ध्यान ही सर्वश्रेष्ठ है क्योंकि ध्यान से शाश्वत ब्रह्म की प्राप्ति होती है! इसलिये सावधानी पूर्वक ब्रह्मपरायण, प्रमाद रहित, एकांतवासी और जितेन्द्रिय होकर ध्यान की साधना करता है वही आत्मा में आत्मा के संयोग से मोक्ष की प्राप्ति करता है! यही मोक्ष प्राप्ति का एकमात्र साधन है! जो योगी इस मार्ग पर चल कर सफलता प्राप्त कर लेता है, उसके लिये संसार में कुछ भी शेष नहीं रह जाता!
योगी पुरुष को ज्ञान की विविधता के चक्कर में न पड़कर सारभूत एवं कार्य की सिद्धि प्रदान करने वाले ज्ञान की ही उपासना करनी चाहिए! यह भी जानना है वह भी जानना है अर्थात अनेकों प्रकार के ज्ञान की प्रापी के चक्कर में पड़ने से हजारों वर्षों तक भटकना पड़ता है और ज्ञान की प्राप्ति कुछ भी नहीं होती! संग का त्याग करने वाला, अक्रोधी, अल्पाहारी,जितेन्द्रिय योगी को बुद्धि योग से दशेंद्रियों के द्वारों को बंद करके मन को ध्यान में स्थिर करना चाहिए! योगी पुरुषों को निर्जन व् एकांत स्थान, गुफा तथा वन में जाकर विधि पूर्वक ध्यान करना चाहिय्र! वाकदंड, कर्मदंड एवं मनोदंड को वश में रखने वाले यति को ही त्रिदंडी कहते हैं! इस सत-असत गुण-अवगुण रुपी इस संसार को जो योगी आत्ममय मानता है उसका न कोई अपना है न कोई पराया ही! जो विशुद्ध मन से सोने को भी मिटटी तुली मानता है तथा सब प्राणियों को एक समान भाव से देखता है तथा है तथा समस्त प्रानोयों में समाहित होकर सर्वत्र ही एक मात्र, सर्वाधार शाश्वत एवं अव्यय ब्रह्म को सर्वत्र विद्यमान देखता है! उस योगी का पुनर्जन्म नहीं होता! संसार में वेदों से भी श्रेष्ठ यज्ञा, यज्ञों से श्रेष्ट जप, जप से श्रेष्ठ ज्ञानमार्ग एवं ज्ञान से विषयासक्ति एवं रागविहीन होकर ध्यान ही सर्वश्रेष्ठ है क्योंकि ध्यान से शाश्वत ब्रह्म की प्राप्ति होती है! इसलिये सावधानी पूर्वक ब्रह्मपरायण, प्रमाद रहित, एकांतवासी और जितेन्द्रिय होकर ध्यान की साधना करता है वही आत्मा में आत्मा के संयोग से मोक्ष की प्राप्ति करता है! यही मोक्ष प्राप्ति का एकमात्र साधन है! जो योगी इस मार्ग पर चल कर सफलता प्राप्त कर लेता है, उसके लिये संसार में कुछ भी शेष नहीं रह जाता!
No expousre of underwear or body parts
Sagging Pants Bill Passes In House of Representatives
The bill was introduced by Rep. Hazelle Rogers (D-Lauderhill, Florida) and passed unanimously by the subcommittee, reports The St. Petersburg Times.
"This pro-family, pro-education, pro-jobs bill provides each school district ... adopt a student dress code of conduct, a policy that explains to each student their responsibility," Rep. Rogers said. "This would make for a better school district and more productive students."
The bill doesn't mention sagging pants, but its clear by the verbiage, which prohibits students from wearing clothing that "exposes the underwear or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner."
Although no one has positively identified where the trend of sagging pants started, the new legislation claims that the practice of sagging pants originated in the prison system, "where belts are not issued because they may be used to commit suicide or used as weapons."
Students face a variety of disciplinary actions if their style of dress is deemed "vulgar" to school officials.
They can be issued verbal warnings, banishment from extracurricular activities and even in-school suspensions.
The local branch of the NAACP in Florida has condemned the bill, claiming that black youth will be targeted.
News March 2011
मोहयाल सभा होश्यारपुर :भवन उद्घाटन 27 मार्च
मोहयाल सभा होश्यारपुर के नव निर्मित ' मोहयाल भवन ' का उद्घाटन 27 मार्च को होगा। जनरल मोहयाल सभा के प्रेजिडेंट रायजादा बी डी बाली इसका उद्घाटन करेंगे। इस अवसर पर जी एम एस के पदाधिकारी श्री अशोक लव ( सेक्रेटरी ), श्री योगेश मेहता (सेक्रेटरी-यूथ एंड कल्चर ), पुष्प बाली ( सेक्रेट्री- पी आर ओ ), अशवनी बक्षी ( ज्वायंट सेक्रेट्री -यूथएंड कल्चर ), श्रीमती सुनीता मेहता (सेक्रेट्री- स्त्री विंग ) आदि के अतिरिक्त मैनेजिंग कमेटी के सदस्य तथा लोकल मोहयाल सभाओं के पदाधिकारी उपस्थित रहेंगे ।
*विजंत बाली ( सेक्रेट्री )
*विजंत बाली ( सेक्रेट्री )
महामृत्युंजय मंत्र का असर
मार्कण्डेय जी के द्वारा रचित इस स्तोत्र का भगवान शंकर को स्मरण करते हुए , विश्वासपूर्वक जो पाठ करेगा, उसे मृत्यु का भय नहीं होगा! दीर्घायु प्राप्त होगी !
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Radha daughter of Vrishbhanu
Radha was the daughter of Vrishbhanu who was king Suchandra in his previous life. Suchandra and his wife had acquired a boon from Brahmaji that in the Dwapar age Shri Laxmi will be born as a daughter to them in the form of Radha. King Suchendra and Queen Kalavati only were reborn as Vrishbhanu and Kirtikumari and Laxmiji was incarnated as Radha.
It is said that at the time of Radha’s birth, Devarshi Narad himself went and met Vrishbhanu and informed him, “This girl’s beauty and nature is divine. All the houses, wherever her footprints are, Lord Narayan with all other deities will reside. Nurture this girl thinking her to be a Goddess.” According to Naradji’s advice, Vrishbhanu nurtured Radha with great love and care. Nandbaba who lived in the nearby village was friends with Vrishbanu. Once during the festival of Holi; Vrishbanu went to Gokul to meet Nandrai. At Nandrai and Yashoda’s house Krishna (who was growing up as their son) met Radha. Their union was divine, phenomenal and incessant. This meeting was Radha and Krishna’s first meeting which became eternal.
Painting : Deepankar Mazumdar
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Jan Gan Man : Was written For Whom??
Photo By :Ashok Lav (Jhabua ,MP)
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Tuesday, March 1, 2011
कथा महाशिवरात्रि और पूजा विधि
एक बार पार्वती ने भगवान शिवशंकर से पूछा, 'ऐसा कौन सा श्रेष्ठ तथा सरल व्रत-पूजन है, जिससे मृत्यु लोक के प्राणी आपकी कृपा सहज ही प्राप्त कर लेते हैं?' उत्तर में शिवजी ने पार्वती को 'शिवरात्रि' के व्रत का विधान बताकर यह कथा सुनाई।
एक गाँव में एक शिकारी रहता था। पशुओं की हत्या करके वह अपने कुटुम्ब को पालता था। वह एक साहूकार का ऋणी था, लेकिन उसका ऋण समय पर न चुका सका। क्रोधवश साहूकार ने शिकारी को शिवमठ में बंदी बना लिया। संयोग से उस दिन शिवरात्रि थी।
शिकारी ध्यानमग्न होकर शिव संबंधी धार्मिक बातें सुनता रहा। चतुर्दशी को उसने शिवरात्रि की कथा भी सुनी। संध्या होते ही साहूकार ने उसे अपने पास बुलाया और ऋण चुकाने के विषय में बात की। शिकारी अगले दिन सारा ऋण लौटा देने का वचन देकर बंधन से छूट गया।
अपनी दिनचर्या की भाँति वह जंगल में शिकार के लिए निकला, लेकिन दिनभर बंदीगृह में रहने के कारण भूख-प्यास से व्याकुल था। शिकार करने के लिए वह एक तालाब के किनारे बेल वृक्ष पर पड़ाव बनाने लगा। बेल-वृक्ष के नीचे शिवलिंग था जो बिल्वपत्रों से ढँका हुआ था। शिकारी को उसका पता न चला।
पड़ाव बनाते समय उसने जो टहनियाँ तोड़ीं, वे संयोग से शिवलिंग पर गिरीं। इस प्रकार दिनभर भूखे-प्यासे शिकारी का व्रत भी हो गया और शिवलिंग पर बेलपत्र भी चढ़ गए।
एक पहर रात्रि बीत जाने पर एक गर्भिणी मृगी तालाब पर पानी पीने पहुँची। शिकारी ने धनुष पर तीर चढ़ाकर ज्यों ही प्रत्यंचा खींची, मृगी बोली, 'मैं गर्भिणी हूँ। शीघ्र ही प्रसव करूँगी। तुम एक साथ दो जीवों की हत्या करोगे, जो ठीक नहीं है। मैं अपने बच्चे को जन्म देकर शीघ्र ही तुम्हारे सामने प्रस्तुत हो जाऊँगी, तब तुम मुझे मार लेना।' शिकारी ने प्रत्यंचा ढीली कर दी और मृगी झाड़ियों में लुप्त हो गई।
कुछ ही देर बाद एक और मृगी उधर से निकली। शिकारी की प्रसन्नता का ठिकाना न रहा। समीप आने पर उसने धनुष पर बाण चढ़ाया। तब उसे देख मृगी ने विनम्रतापूर्वक निवेदन किया, 'हे पारधी ! मैं थोड़ी देर पहले ही ऋतु से निवृत्त हुई हूँ। कामातुर विरहिणी हूँ। अपने प्रिय की खोज में भटक रही हूँ। मैं अपने पति से मिलकर शीघ्र ही तुम्हारे पास आ जाऊँगी।'
शिकारी ने उसे भी जाने दिया। दो बार शिकार को खोकर उसका माथा ठनका। वह चिंता में पड़ गया। रात्रि का आखिरी पहर बीत रहा था। तभी एक अन्य मृगी अपने बच्चों के साथ उधर से निकली शिकारी के लिए यह स्वर्णिम अवसर था। उसने धनुष पर तीर चढ़ाने में देर न लगाई, वह तीर छोड़ने ही वाला था कि मृगी बोली, 'हे पारधी! मैं इन बच्चों को पिता के हवाले करके लौट आऊँगी। इस समय मुझे मत मार।'
शिकारी हँसा और बोला, 'सामने आए शिकार को छोड़ दूँ, मैं ऐसा मूर्ख नहीं। इससे पहले मैं दो बार अपना शिकार खो चुका हूँ। मेरे बच्चे भूख-प्यास से तड़प रहे होंगे।'
उत्तर में मृगी ने फिर कहा, 'जैसे तुम्हें अपने बच्चों की ममता सता रही है, ठीक वैसे ही मुझे भी, इसलिए सिर्फ बच्चों के नाम पर मैं थोड़ी देर के लिए जीवनदान माँग रही हूँ। हे पारधी! मेरा विश्वास कर मैं इन्हें इनके पिता के पास छोड़कर तुरंत लौटने की प्रतिज्ञा करती हूँ।'
मृगी का दीन स्वर सुनकर शिकारी को उस पर दया आ गई। उसने उस मृगी को भी जाने दिया। शिकार के आभाव में बेलवृक्ष पर बैठा शिकारी बेलपत्र तोड़-तोड़कर नीचे फेंकता जा रहा था। पौ फटने को हुई तो एक हष्ट-पुष्ट मृग उसी रास्ते पर आया। शिकारी ने सोच लिया कि इसका शिकार वह अवश्व करेगा।
शिकारी की तनी प्रत्यंचा देखकर मृग विनीत स्वर में बोला,' हे पारधी भाई! यदि तुमने मुझसे पूर्व आने वाली तीन मृगियों तथा छोटे-छोटे बच्चों को मार डाला है तो मुझे भी मारने में विलंब न करो, ताकि उनके वियोग में मुझे एक क्षण भी दुःख न सहना पड़े। मैं उन मृगियों का पति हूँ। यदि तुमने उन्हें जीवनदान दिया है तो मुझे भी कुछ क्षण जीवनदान देने की कृपा करो। मैं उनसे मिलकर तुम्हारे सामने उपस्थित हो जाऊँगा।'
मृग की बात सुनते ही शिकारी के सामने पूरी रात का घटना-चक्र घूम गया। उसने सारी कथा मृग को सुना दी। तब मृग ने कहा, 'मेरी तीनों पत्नियाँ जिस प्रकार प्रतिज्ञाबद्ध होकर गई हैं, मेरी मृत्यु से अपने धर्म का पालन नहीं कर पाएँगी। अतः जैसे तुमने उन्हें विश्वासपात्र मानकर छोड़ा है, वैसे ही मुझे भी जाने दो। मैं उन सबके साथ तुम्हारे सामने शीघ्र ही उपस्थित होता हूँ।'
उपवास, रात्रि जागरण तथा शिवलिंग पर बेलपत्र चढ़ाने से शिकारी का हिंसक हृदय निर्मल हो गया था। उसमें भगवद् शक्ति का वास हो गया था। धनुष तथा बाण उसके हाथ से सहज ही छूट गए। भगवान शिव की अनुकम्पा से उसका हिंसक हृदय कारुणिक भावों से भर गया। वह अपने अतीत के कर्मों को याद करके पश्चाताप की ज्वाला में जलने लगा।
थोड़ी ही देर बाद मृग सपरिवार शिकारी के समक्ष उपस्थित हो गया, ताकि वह उनका शिकार कर सके, किंतु जंगली पशुओं की ऐसी सत्यता, सात्विकता एवं सामूहिक प्रेमभावना देखकर शिकारी को बड़ी ग्लानि हुई। उसके नेत्रों से आँसुओं की झड़ी लग गई। उस मृग परिवार को न मारकर शिकारी ने अपने कठोर हृदय को जीव हिंसा से हटा सदा के लिए कोमल एवं दयालु बना लिया।
देव लोक से समस्त देव समाज भी इस घटना को देख रहा था। घटना की परिणति होते ही देवी-देवताओं ने पुष्प वर्षा की। तब शिकारी तथा मृग परिवार मोक्ष को प्राप्त हुए।
महाशिवरात्रि पूजाविधि
शिवपुराणके अनुसार व्रती पुरुषको महाशिवरात्रि के दिन प्रातःकाल उठकर स्न्नान-संध्या आदि कर्मसे निवृत्त होनेपर मस्तकपर भस्मका त्रिपुण्ड्र तिलक और गलेमें रुद्राक्षमाला धारण कर शिवालयमें जाकर शिवलिंगका विधिपूर्वक पूजन एवं शिवको नमस्कार करना चाहिये। तत्पश्चात् उसे श्रद्धापूर्वक महाशिवरात्रि व्रतका इस प्रकार संकल्प करना चाहिये-
शिवरात्रिव्रतं ह्यतत् करिष्येऽहं महाफलम्।
निर्विघ्नमस्तु मे चात्र त्वत्प्रसादाज्जगत्पते॥
महाशिवरात्रि के प्रथम प्रहर में संकल्प करके दूध से स्नान तथा `ओम हीं ईशानाय नम:’ का जाप करें। द्वितीय प्रहर में दधि स्नान करके `ओम हीं अधोराय नम:’ का जाप करें। तृतीय प्रहर में घृत स्नान एवं मंत्र `ओम हीं वामदेवाय नम:’ तथा चतुर्थ प्रहर में मधु स्नान एवं `ओम हीं सद्योजाताय नम:’ मंत्र का जाप करें।
महाशिवरात्रि मंत्र एवं समर्पण
सम्पूर्ण – महाशिवरात्रि पूजा विधि के दौरान ‘ओम नम: शिवाय’ एवं ‘शिवाय नम:’ मंत्र का जाप करना चाहिए। ध्यान, आसन, पाद्य, अर्घ्य, आचमन, स्नान, पय: स्नान, दधि स्नान, घृत स्नान, गंधोदक स्नान, शर्करा स्नान, पंचामृत स्नान, गंधोदक स्नान, शुद्धोदक स्नान, अभिषेक, वस्त्र, यज्ञोपवीत, उवपसत्र, बिल्व पत्र, नाना परिमल दव्य, धूप दीप नैवेद्य करोद्वर्तन (चंदन का लेप) ऋतुफल, तांबूल-पुंगीफल, दक्षिणा उपर्युक्त उपचार कर ’समर्पयामि’ कहकर पूजा संपन्न करें। कपूर आदि से आरती पूर्ण कर प्रदक्षिणा, पुष्पांजलि, शाष्टांग प्रणाम कर महाशिवरात्रि पूजन कर्म शिवार्पण करें।
महाशिवरात्रि व्रत प्राप्त काल से चतुर्दशी तिथि रहते रात्रि पर्यन्त करना चाहिए। रात्रि के चारों प्रहरों में भगवान शंकर की पूजा-अर्चना करने से जागरण, पूजा और उपवास तीनों पुण्य कर्मों का एक साथ पालन हो जाता है और भगवान शिव की विशेष अनुकम्पा और मनोवांछित फल की प्राप्ति होती है।
Monday, February 28, 2011
महाशिव रात्रि पर भगवान का आशीर्वाद
| This year Mahashivratri falls on on 2nd March2011. when the Shiva principle descends to Earth a thousand times more than usual. On this day, to obtain the full benefit of Lord Shiva’s principle, one should chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ as much as possible. |
Shivratri is the time when Shiva takes a rest. Shiva rests for one 'prahar' (three hours) of the night. This 'prahar' is referred to as the Shivratri. When Lord Shiva takes rest, the function of 'Shivtatva' (Shiva Principle) ceases, i.e. Lord Shiva goes into a meditative state. Shiva's meditative state is the time when He is engrossed in His own spiritual practice. During that time, the 'Shivtatva' does not accept any tamogun (most base of the 3 elements in us - sattva, raja & tama) or any halahal (venom churned from the ocean) coming from the Universe. As a result, the ratio of halahal or the pressure of the negative energies increases. For protection from this pressure, things like 'bilva patra', white flowers, 'rudraksha' beads etc are offered to Lord Shiva. These things attract the 'Shivtatva' from the atmosphere, thus providing protection from the increasing effect of the negative energies. The Earth is a gross object. Gross objects have very low velocities i.e. they require more time to cover a specific distance in space. Gods on the other hand, are subtle hence they are capable of traversing space within a few seconds. That is why one year on the earth is equivalent to just one day of heaven.
Science in the worship of Lord Shiva on Mahashivratri
The function of the 'Shivpindi'1। Emitting waves of Knowledge, Devotion and renunciation
Predominantly 'sattva' waves of knowledge, 'raja' waves of devotion and 'tama' waves of Renunciation (Vairagya) are emitted by the 'Shivpindi'. During Mahashivratri, the emission increases by 30 percent.
2. Emission of subtle vibrations of chaitanya, bliss and peace
The 'Shivpindi' emits subtle vibrations of chaitanya, bliss and peace. During the Mahashivratri, the emission increases by 25 percent. This helps purify the subtle-body of one who worships the Shivpindi on this day. The 'sun' or the 'moon' channels in the body get activated as per necessity. The capacity to absorb the sattvaguna and chaitanya also increases. Due to the presence of the unmanifest Shiva principle in the Shivpindi and the vibrations of peace emitted, the Shivpindi remains cool and the mind too experiences peace. Worship of Shivpindi with devotion, activates the dormant Shiva principle. An offering of puffed rice and milk reaches Lord Shiva in the subtle form.
3. Receiving the 'tarak or marak tatva (element)' as required
There is a confluence of the manifest and the unmanifest elements along with the 'tarak and marak tatva' in the Shivpindi. (Tarak = Saviour; Marak = Destroyer). That is how worshipers receive the required element. The temperature of the Shivpindi increases due to the emission of the marak tatva and there one experiences bliss. Similarly, when the tarak tatva is emitted, the temperature drops and one experiences peace and bliss.
Related Article: Why are svayambhu pindis situated below the ground level?
Bilvapatra (Bel leaves)
Bilvapatra contains 2% Shiva tatva. By offering bilvapatra to the Shivpindi on Mahashivratri, the manifest Shiva tatva near the stalk of the bilvapatra gets activated. Due to this, waves of chaitanya as well as Shiva tatva are emitted by the bilvapatra. The bilvapatra attracts 20% of the Shiva tatva present in the Shivpindi towards itself. By immersing this bilvapatra in water or by placing it in grains, the Shiva tatva present in the bilvapatra is transmitted to them. The Shiva tatva in the bilvapatra is activated to a larger extent on Mondays when it transmits 10% of the Shiva tatva and sattvikta. On other days only 1% of the Shiva tatva is activated in the bilvapatra.
Bilvarchan
Offering bilvapatra to the Shivpindi and chanting the mantra 'Om Namah Shivaya' with each offering is known as bilvarchan. Continue offering the bilvapatra until the pindi is completely covered. Offer the bilvapatra from the lower part of the pindi. By starting from the feet of the idol, more benefit is derived and the idol can be covered completely. - Brahma-tatva (22.02.2004, 9.30 p.m.)
Related Article: Why are trifoliate bel leaves offered to Lord Shiva with their stalks facing oneself?
Chanting on Mahashivratri 'Om Namah Shivaya'
Om represents an unmanifest state beyond the 3 gunas (elements of sattva, raja & tama). We bow to Lord Shiva, from whom Om was created.
Naampatti made by Sanatan Sanstha Seekers to remind Naamjap
What does the word 'Shiva' mean?
a.The word Shiva has been derived by reversing the letters of the word vash. Vash means to enlighten; thus the one who enlightens is Shiva. He remains radiant and also illuminates the universe.
b. He is the auspicious and prosperity-bestowing principle.
Some unique attributes
1. Physical attributes
a. Ganga : Just as the sun is the focal point of the solar system and the soul that of the body, the focal point of divine consciousness (chaitanya) in every object and pure particles (pavitrakas) is ga-aum. The flow from which ga-aum originates is gan gaha = Ganga. Ga-aum flows from Shiva's head. This is called the descent of the Ganga from Shiva's head. Since the river Ganga has a fraction of the principle of the spiritual Ganga, no matter how polluted it becomes, its purity is perpetually retained. Hence, when compared to any other water in the world, the water from the Ganga is the purest. This is realised not only by those who can perceive the subtle dimension but also by scientific researchers.
b. Moon : Shiva adorns the chandra (moon) on His forehead. The point where the three frequencies - affection (mamata), mercifulness (kshamashilata) and motherly love (vatsalya) originate is referred to as the chandra (moon). Thus, one can conclude that chandrama (the moon principle) is the state in which the three attributes of affection, mercifulness and motherly love are present.
c. Third eye : Shankar is three-eyed, i.e. He can perceive events of the past, present and future.According to the science of Yoga the third eye means the Sushumna nadi (channel).
d. Serpent : One of the Names of Lord Shankar is Bhujanga-patihari. Bhujang means a serpent or pure particles (pavitrakas), pati means the nurturer and hari means one with a garland around His neck. Bhujangapatihari thus means the One who nurtures pure particles and wears them like a garland. Various serpents represent groups of pure particles. Though externally they appear like serpents, internally they are a kind of ladder. To make spiritual progress one has to climb up holding onto the tail of the serpent. Lord Shankar adorns serpents at nine points on His body - one on the head, one around the neck, one on each arm, one on each wrist, one around the waist and one on each thigh. This implies that His body is comprised of pure particles or that serpents of pure particles play all over the body of Lord Shankar who has the universe as His form.
2. Spiritual attributes
a. One performing severe austerities and the great yogi
Shiva is always seated in a bandha or a mudra. His temperature rises due to heat generated by performing severe austerities; Hence, He uses the Ganga, the moon and serpents which endow a cooling effect and lives on the snow-clad Kailas mountain.
b. Short tempered
If someone disturbs His meditation the radiance generated by spiritual practice will be suddenly expelled and whoever is in front of Him will not be able to tolerate it, and gets destroyed. This is referred to as being 'reduced to ashes by Shankar's opening of the third eye'.
c. One who is willing to undergo any distress for the sake of imparting happiness to others
The poison generated during the churning of the celestial ocean (samudramanthan) was burning the entire Universe but no deity came forward to accept it. At that time Shiva drank that poison and saved the world from destruction.
d. One who has both, deities and demons, as His worshippers
Neither did demons like Banasur, Ravan, etc. worship Lord Vishnu nor did Lord Vishnu bestow any boon upon any demon. However, they worshipped Lord Shiva who blessed them.
e. Master of the spirits
Since Lord Shiva is the master of spirits, His worshippers are generally not possessed by them.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Interesting Facts About Television Programs
1922 BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) was established on 18th October this year.
1936 Worlds first high definition TV service was started in London’s Alexandria Palace on
22nd November.
1937 First Wimbledon Tennis Championship broadcasting was done on 21st June.
1938 TV coverage of FA cup final was done on 30th April. Spelling B- the first panel game from BBC started. “News Map” first program on current issues was started on on 21st September.
1939 The BBC Broadcast was stopped on 1st September during the Second World War. President Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first American President to come on the Television on 30th April during the World’s Fair in New York. On the same day, in same fair, George Eightieth and Queen Elizabeth were the first king n the queen to come on television.
1941 on 1st July, the first ever commercial advertisement on television was of a watch in New York by W.N.D.T, during a game played between Philadelphia fellies and Brookline Dodgers.
1946 1st June-First ever TV license was issued in England, the price of that was just 2 pounds. On 7th July the first ever children program “For the Children” was broadcasted.
1947 On 21st February, the first soap opera ”A Woman To Remember” of America was started.
1948 On 29th July London Olympic games were broadcasted for the first time.
1951 on 24th December- The ‘Night Visitors’ and ‘Amah all, were the first ever coloured commercials of the world. The ‘Panorama’ was the longest running current affairs program on British TV.
1954 George Growling became the first man to forecast the weather report on 11th January in England. “The Groove Opera” was the first British Opera started on 9th April.
1957 First ever School Program was broadcasted in England on 13th May The annual Christmas Message from the Queen Elizabeth was broadcasted for the first time on 25th December in England.
1958 “Blue peter” the longest broadcasted children program started on 16th October.
1969 The First LIVE broadcast from ‘Moon’ was done on 21st July. This was done from the Spacecraft “Apollo-11”. BBC-1 and I.T.V. started their first colour broadcasts.
1981 MTV was launched on 1st August. The first music video to be broadcasted was ”Bugles Video killed the radio star”.
1989 Sky TV started its first ever satellite broadcast on 5th February.
1997 7x24 hours TV broadcast was started by BBC-1 on 9th November. Before that Broadcasting were stopped at night.
2000 Reality TV show “Big Brother” became the first show to be started in England on 18th July.
2006 High Definition (HD-TV) was available in England and other countries easily.
Ch. Anil Dutta, Amritsar
91-9878391830, 8146558833
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
How to add years to your life
+1 Years Laugh regularly Relaxes you and reduces stress
+1-3 Eat breakfast daily Jump-starts your day and gives you more energy
+2 Get a pet Can lower blood pressure and heart rate
+4 Have a good sex life Reduces the risk of heart disease
+6 Brush and floss daily Healthy gums cut your risk of heart disease and diabetes
+7 Find true love Married couples outlive divorced, widowed or unmarried counterparts
+9 See the bright side Optimistic people are healthier and get over illnesses more quickly"
+1-3 Eat breakfast daily Jump-starts your day and gives you more energy
+2 Get a pet Can lower blood pressure and heart rate
+4 Have a good sex life Reduces the risk of heart disease
+6 Brush and floss daily Healthy gums cut your risk of heart disease and diabetes
+7 Find true love Married couples outlive divorced, widowed or unmarried counterparts
+9 See the bright side Optimistic people are healthier and get over illnesses more quickly"
Friday, February 11, 2011
Lost Relatives
"Rajeev Chhibber
February 11, 2011 at 2:22am
Subject: lost relatives search
Looking for some old family contacts from Karyala, Khurad ( Jehlam Distt )
Names of a few ancesstors are
Bakshi Jamiyat Singh, Bhagwanti Chhibber, Bakshi Sant Singh, Bakshi Gulab Singh, Bakshi Avtar Singh, Bakshi Mohan Singh, Bakshi Fathe Singh Chhibber"
Contact Mr Rajeev Chhibber on his Facebook Profile.
February 11, 2011 at 2:22am
Subject: lost relatives search
Looking for some old family contacts from Karyala, Khurad ( Jehlam Distt )
Names of a few ancesstors are
Bakshi Jamiyat Singh, Bhagwanti Chhibber, Bakshi Sant Singh, Bakshi Gulab Singh, Bakshi Avtar Singh, Bakshi Mohan Singh, Bakshi Fathe Singh Chhibber"
Contact Mr Rajeev Chhibber on his Facebook Profile.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Youth Homelessness in the Greater Toronto Area
Dr Ruwan M Jayatunge
Canada is one of the few countries in the world without a national housing strategy (United Nations, 2009). Surveys and statistics over the past three decades have repeatedly shown that the numbers of homeless people in Canada have been steadily increasing. Toronto is one of the cities that is facing the acute problem of homelessness. Youth Homelessness in the GTA has become one of the worst nightmares.
The United Nations have defined homelessness in two categories –that is absolute and relative. Absolute homelessness” describes the condition of people without physical shelter who sleep outdoors, in vehicles, abandoned buildings or other places not intended for human habitation. The term “Relative homelessness” describes the condition of those who have a physical shelter, but one that does not meet basic standards of health and safety; these include protection from the elements, access to safe water and sanitation, security of tenure, personal safety and affordability.
Each night about 8000 homeless people are sleeping in shelters in Toronto. Some do not seek such services and choose to spend the night in the streets. The terms “homeless youth” and “street youth” are used interchangeably to refer to teenagers and young people below the age of 20–25 years. These young people first leave home at a mean age of 15 years. About 75% of homeless youth in Toronto do not use shelters.
Barbara Murphy’s 1999 book entitled The Ugly Canadian: The Rise and Fall of a Caring Society points out that annually a considerable number of desperate youth come to live in the streets of the GTA.
Psychological Aspects of being homeless youth
There are various psychological reasons associated with youth homelessness. The youth do not select to live in the streets. The circumstances force them to do so.
Major psychological reasons are
1) Psychological trauma followed by physical and psychological abuse in the households – domestic violence and such abuses leads to PTSD, Rape Trauma Syndrome
2) Poverty and oppressive living conditions, forced evictions make youth insecure and put them to streets.
3) Lack of parental care, disintegration of family systems, divorces, separations, broken family ties give them no sense of belongingness and they become the drifters of the streets.
4) Mental illnesses -conduct disorders, depression, schizophrenia, BPAD, ATPD, push them to streets . (the serves indicate that 6% in Toronto, of the homeless population suffers from schizophrenia).
5) Alcohol, drugs and substance abuse make them consumers as well as drug pushers in the streets.
Homeless youth are psychologically vulnerable group. The basic problem of homelessness is associated with need for personal shelter, warmth and safety, which are essential to human beings. Being in the streets their psychological wellbeing is shattered. They face numerous psychosocial problems such as alienation, and social withdrawal.
The problems of personal security, which is a primal human need and most of the times, they are over vigilant and become hyper arousal. Some are highly reactive to provocations. They can be victims of street violence, targeted by the police and other authorities.
While living in the streets these youth are unable to relax, rest and being with one’s self. Unable to enjoy nature, silence. Cannot have privacy, no place to keep their possessions safe. The streets become their universe.
Being a street youth they are constantly moving and have no sense of attachment to one place. No permanent location or mailing addresses make them absolute drifters. They are unable to form appropriate human relationships with others. They can be victims of street violence. There have been many violent crimes committed against the homeless. A 2007 study found that the rate of such crimes is increasing. These youth can get sexually abused, can become the victims of forced prostitution and compelled to sell their bodies to avoid starvation.
Streets youth have severe hygiene problems and often avoided by the decent citizens who walk by. They are being rejected and feared by the society. Deterioration of physical health (TB risk / HIV risk/ STD risk / skin infections like scabies /chronic malnutrition) directly affect their physical as well as mental health parameters. In addition, extreme weather conditions -severe cold of Canadian winters, and heat waves in summers can deteriorate their overall health.
They begin to lose sense identity and self worth. Low self-esteem trouble them to a greater degree. Gradually they detach from the human touch. Basic trust becomes minimal. Hopelessness and despair sometimes lead them to commit self-harm or suicide.
The health care system may not adequately meet the needs of homeless people. Homeless people are at increased risk of dying prematurely and suffer from a wide range of health problems, including seizures, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, musculoskeletal disorders, tuberculosis, and skin and foot problems. Homeless people also face significant barriers that impair their access to health care. Homeless people have high levels of morbidity and mortality and may experience significant barriers to accessing health care. (Homelessness and health -Stephen W. Hwang – Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Toronto).
The incidence of active TB among homeless people in Toronto is 71 per 100 000 (about 10 times the average Ontario rate). Sexual and reproductive health is a major issue for street youth. Common risk factors for HIV infection in homeless youth in Canada include prostitution, multiple sexual partners, inconsistent use of condoms and injection drug use. Sexually transmitted diseases are widespread, even among street youth who do not work as prostitutes; gonorrhea and Chlamydia are the most prevalent infections.
Violence is a constant threat to the health of homeless people. A survey in Toronto found that 40% of homeless individuals had been assaulted and 21% of homeless women had been raped in the previous year. Homeless men are about 9 times more likely to be murdered than their counterparts in the general population. Unintentional injuries are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among homeless men. Injuries are often the result of falls or being struck by a motor vehicle.
Exposure to the elements is a major hazard. In cold weather, the risk of frostbite and hypothermia is substantial, and deaths due to freezing are not uncommon. In hot weather, severe sunburn and heatstroke can occur. The health concerns of the street youth living in the GTA have been neglected for a greater deal.
Street youth often treated as misfits and very high discrimination is imposed on them. Most of the civilized citizens do not want to interact with them. No employer wants to hire them. They are not welcomed to the coffee shops although they carry legal tender to pay for their coffee like anyone else. Their social skills are limited; they are unable to learn new skills. This becomes a vicious cycle and they become trapped and unable to free themselves from the streets even when they get support from the social service agencies.
The bad experiences that they underwent at the streets often hound them and they have already lost the sense of trust. They do not have faith in the justice system, low and enforcement and even social service agencies. By living in the streets for a long time they get use to the existing environment and make no active effort to change the situation.
How they fit in to the society is not a dilemma question. They were part of the society and still they are even though they have been rejected by the mainstream. The research and other ground experiences elsewhere have shown that with proper psychosocial care they can successfully integrate in to the society.
They can be rehabilitated and turned in to productive citizens. The first stages of transformation might be somewhat difficult. Establishing trust and respect, empathy and caring hand can change the negative effects and the experiences that they underwent as street youth. It is highly essential to breakdown the vicious cycle that keep them in the streets. Teaching them new skills and vocational training would help them to have a positive change in their lives.
Canada is one of the few countries in the world without a national housing strategy (United Nations, 2009). Surveys and statistics over the past three decades have repeatedly shown that the numbers of homeless people in Canada have been steadily increasing. Toronto is one of the cities that is facing the acute problem of homelessness. Youth Homelessness in the GTA has become one of the worst nightmares.
The United Nations have defined homelessness in two categories –that is absolute and relative. Absolute homelessness” describes the condition of people without physical shelter who sleep outdoors, in vehicles, abandoned buildings or other places not intended for human habitation. The term “Relative homelessness” describes the condition of those who have a physical shelter, but one that does not meet basic standards of health and safety; these include protection from the elements, access to safe water and sanitation, security of tenure, personal safety and affordability.
Each night about 8000 homeless people are sleeping in shelters in Toronto. Some do not seek such services and choose to spend the night in the streets. The terms “homeless youth” and “street youth” are used interchangeably to refer to teenagers and young people below the age of 20–25 years. These young people first leave home at a mean age of 15 years. About 75% of homeless youth in Toronto do not use shelters.
Barbara Murphy’s 1999 book entitled The Ugly Canadian: The Rise and Fall of a Caring Society points out that annually a considerable number of desperate youth come to live in the streets of the GTA.
Psychological Aspects of being homeless youth
There are various psychological reasons associated with youth homelessness. The youth do not select to live in the streets. The circumstances force them to do so.
Major psychological reasons are
1) Psychological trauma followed by physical and psychological abuse in the households – domestic violence and such abuses leads to PTSD, Rape Trauma Syndrome
2) Poverty and oppressive living conditions, forced evictions make youth insecure and put them to streets.
3) Lack of parental care, disintegration of family systems, divorces, separations, broken family ties give them no sense of belongingness and they become the drifters of the streets.
4) Mental illnesses -conduct disorders, depression, schizophrenia, BPAD, ATPD, push them to streets . (the serves indicate that 6% in Toronto, of the homeless population suffers from schizophrenia).
5) Alcohol, drugs and substance abuse make them consumers as well as drug pushers in the streets.
Homeless youth are psychologically vulnerable group. The basic problem of homelessness is associated with need for personal shelter, warmth and safety, which are essential to human beings. Being in the streets their psychological wellbeing is shattered. They face numerous psychosocial problems such as alienation, and social withdrawal.
The problems of personal security, which is a primal human need and most of the times, they are over vigilant and become hyper arousal. Some are highly reactive to provocations. They can be victims of street violence, targeted by the police and other authorities.
While living in the streets these youth are unable to relax, rest and being with one’s self. Unable to enjoy nature, silence. Cannot have privacy, no place to keep their possessions safe. The streets become their universe.
Being a street youth they are constantly moving and have no sense of attachment to one place. No permanent location or mailing addresses make them absolute drifters. They are unable to form appropriate human relationships with others. They can be victims of street violence. There have been many violent crimes committed against the homeless. A 2007 study found that the rate of such crimes is increasing. These youth can get sexually abused, can become the victims of forced prostitution and compelled to sell their bodies to avoid starvation.
Streets youth have severe hygiene problems and often avoided by the decent citizens who walk by. They are being rejected and feared by the society. Deterioration of physical health (TB risk / HIV risk/ STD risk / skin infections like scabies /chronic malnutrition) directly affect their physical as well as mental health parameters. In addition, extreme weather conditions -severe cold of Canadian winters, and heat waves in summers can deteriorate their overall health.
They begin to lose sense identity and self worth. Low self-esteem trouble them to a greater degree. Gradually they detach from the human touch. Basic trust becomes minimal. Hopelessness and despair sometimes lead them to commit self-harm or suicide.
The health care system may not adequately meet the needs of homeless people. Homeless people are at increased risk of dying prematurely and suffer from a wide range of health problems, including seizures, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, musculoskeletal disorders, tuberculosis, and skin and foot problems. Homeless people also face significant barriers that impair their access to health care. Homeless people have high levels of morbidity and mortality and may experience significant barriers to accessing health care. (Homelessness and health -Stephen W. Hwang – Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Toronto).
The incidence of active TB among homeless people in Toronto is 71 per 100 000 (about 10 times the average Ontario rate). Sexual and reproductive health is a major issue for street youth. Common risk factors for HIV infection in homeless youth in Canada include prostitution, multiple sexual partners, inconsistent use of condoms and injection drug use. Sexually transmitted diseases are widespread, even among street youth who do not work as prostitutes; gonorrhea and Chlamydia are the most prevalent infections.
Violence is a constant threat to the health of homeless people. A survey in Toronto found that 40% of homeless individuals had been assaulted and 21% of homeless women had been raped in the previous year. Homeless men are about 9 times more likely to be murdered than their counterparts in the general population. Unintentional injuries are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among homeless men. Injuries are often the result of falls or being struck by a motor vehicle.
Exposure to the elements is a major hazard. In cold weather, the risk of frostbite and hypothermia is substantial, and deaths due to freezing are not uncommon. In hot weather, severe sunburn and heatstroke can occur. The health concerns of the street youth living in the GTA have been neglected for a greater deal.
Street youth often treated as misfits and very high discrimination is imposed on them. Most of the civilized citizens do not want to interact with them. No employer wants to hire them. They are not welcomed to the coffee shops although they carry legal tender to pay for their coffee like anyone else. Their social skills are limited; they are unable to learn new skills. This becomes a vicious cycle and they become trapped and unable to free themselves from the streets even when they get support from the social service agencies.
The bad experiences that they underwent at the streets often hound them and they have already lost the sense of trust. They do not have faith in the justice system, low and enforcement and even social service agencies. By living in the streets for a long time they get use to the existing environment and make no active effort to change the situation.
How they fit in to the society is not a dilemma question. They were part of the society and still they are even though they have been rejected by the mainstream. The research and other ground experiences elsewhere have shown that with proper psychosocial care they can successfully integrate in to the society.
They can be rehabilitated and turned in to productive citizens. The first stages of transformation might be somewhat difficult. Establishing trust and respect, empathy and caring hand can change the negative effects and the experiences that they underwent as street youth. It is highly essential to breakdown the vicious cycle that keep them in the streets. Teaching them new skills and vocational training would help them to have a positive change in their lives.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
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